Identifying birds can be challenging, but with practice and a useful guide, it becomes easier.
By Caitlin Ambrose, Assistant Chief of Interpretive Services
Identifying birds can be challenging, but with practice and a useful guide, it becomes easier. Focusing on certain information when you observe a bird can help you determine what species you saw. Their behaviors, habitats, size and unique physical features are important to know. Below are various species you can find in Lake County. Information provided will help in locating and identifying these birds.
Note: The birds shown can be seen at various Lake Metroparks, but not all possible locations are listed.
Woodpeckers are often seen clinging to the sides of trees as they forage for insects. They have long pointed beaks and stiff tail feathers to help support them. Some woodpeckers also search for food on the ground. Listen closely as these birds are often heard before seen.
Weight: 10 oz. Wingspan: 29" Habitat: forests & woodlots Parks to explore: Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Chagrin River Park, Veterans Park
Pileated woodpecker
Weight: 2.5 oz. Wingspan: 17" Habitat: forests & woodlots Parks to explore: Lake Erie Bluffs, Pete's Pond Preserve, Veterans Park
Red-header woodpecker
Weight: 1.8 oz. Wingspan: 16" Habitat: forests & woodlots Parks to explore: Chagrin River Park, Veterans Park
Yellow-bellied sapsucker
Although brightly colored, these species are not always easy to find. Learning and listening for their calls will help in locating them. Tanagers are often high in trees while buntings are found in shrubs and along wood edges.
Weight: 0.98 oz. Wingspan: 11.5" Habitat: forest Parks to explore: Lake Erie Bluffs, Hogback Ridge Park, Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Veterans Park
Scarlet tanager
Weight: 0.51 oz. Wingspan: 8" Habitat: forest edge Parks to explore: Chagrin River Park, Gully Brook Park, Lakeshore Reservation, Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Indigo bunting
Watch for these birds along the shore or in shallow water. They stand motionless for long periods as they hunt for fish and small animals.
Weight: 7 oz. Wingspan: 26" Habitat: wetlands, lakes & ponds Parks to explore: Hidden Lake, Pete's Pond Preserve, Veterans Park
Green heron
Weight: 1.9 lbs. Wingspan: 51" Habitat: wetlands, lakes & ponds Parks to explore: Veterans Park
Great egret
Many species in this family look identical and can only be identified from their calls. Most are small grey and white birds but there are exceptions, such as the two birds shown here that are larger flycatchers with distinguishing features.
Weight: 1.4 oz. Wingspan: 15" Habitat: grasslands Parks to explore: Hidden Lake, Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Veterans Park
Eastern kingbird
Weight: 1.2 oz. Wingspan: 13" Habitat: open woodlands Parks to explore: Blair Landing, Chapin Forest Reservation, Girdled Road Reservation
Great-crested flycatcher
This group is one of the more difficult to identify. Observing behavior is important for shorebirds. Watch how they forage for food and what habitat they are in to help narrow down your search. The American woodcock is the only forest-dwelling shorebird.
Weight: 7 oz. Wingspan: 18" Habitat: forests Parks to explore: Lake Erie Bluffs, Hidden Lake, Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Girdled Road Reservation
American woodcock
Owls, hawks, osprey, harriers, eagles and vultures are classified as raptors. Most (but not all) owls are nocturnal while all other raptors are diurnal (active mainly in the daytime). Look for a hooked beak and sharp talons on these birds.
Weight: 3.5 lbs. Wingspan: 63" Habitat: near lakes & rivers Parks to explore: Chagrin River Park, Veterans Park
Osprey
Perhaps the most beloved of the bird groups, warblers are both colorful and confusing. On average, 37 species of warblers come through Ohio each year. Look for unique color patterns and make note of the habitat you find them in.
Weight: 0.43 oz. Wingspan: 5.5" Habitat: forests Parks to explore: Chagrin River Park, Lake Erie Bluffs, Veterans Park
Yellow-rumped warbler
Weight: 0.29 oz. Wingspan: 7.8" Habitat: forests Parks to explore: Blair Landing, Lakeshore Reservation, Gully Brook Park
American redstart
Weight: 0.33 oz. Wingspan: 8" Habitat: open woodlands Parks to explore: Chagrin River Park, Hidden Lake, Lake Erie Bluffs
Yellow warbler
Weight: 0.36 oz. Wingspan: 7.8" Habitat: forests Parks to explore: Chapin Forest Reservation, Lakeshore Reservation, Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Black-throated blue warbler